Cecil Couch, 92, passed away on Monday, December 15, 2014 at a local nursing center in Abilene, TX.
Cecil was born in Italy, Texas on November 19, 1922 to Coy Bateman and Lillie Mae Claxton Couch. He was a member of the 1940 Italy State Championship Football team which never allowed a point to be scored against them all season.
During his senior year he lied about his age and joined the military. He was allowed to finish his football season and shipped out soon after the season ended. He was like many veterans in that he never received his high school diploma due to the war. Several years ago he was finally awarded this diploma.
He served in World War II fighting with the 36th Infantry Division in Europe. He fought six major battles and received the Bronze Star for Bravery and a Purple Heart for being wounded in battle.
Cecil began a lifelong career in teaching and taught distributive education at Abilene High School for 23 years. He was well loved by all and often enthusiastically participated in school events. One time he along with a few other male teachers, dressed up as a female for a pep rally.
One of his greatest enjoyments was fishing. He spent many hours patiently teaching his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids to fish. He often had enough fish to feed all those who attended at many family reunions. Later he took up bowling and won the Kids & Us League trophy with his grandson, Austin. He even learned to bowl with his left hand to keep from having to give up bowling.
He was an active member of First Christian Church for many years.
He is preceded in death by his parents; and his brothers, Cleo, Leslie, and Stanley.
Cecil was born in Italy, Texas on November 19, 1922 to Coy Bateman and Lillie Mae Claxton Couch. He was a member of the 1940 Italy State Championship Football team which never allowed a point to be scored against them all season.
During his senior year he lied about his age and joined the military. He was allowed to finish his football season and shipped out soon after the season ended. He was like many veterans in that he never received his high school diploma due to the war. Several years ago he was finally awarded this diploma.
He served in World War II fighting with the 36th Infantry Division in Europe. He fought six major battles and received the Bronze Star for Bravery and a Purple Heart for being wounded in battle.
Cecil began a lifelong career in teaching and taught distributive education at Abilene High School for 23 years. He was well loved by all and often enthusiastically participated in school events. One time he along with a few other male teachers, dressed up as a female for a pep rally.
One of his greatest enjoyments was fishing. He spent many hours patiently teaching his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids to fish. He often had enough fish to feed all those who attended at many family reunions. Later he took up bowling and won the Kids & Us League trophy with his grandson, Austin. He even learned to bowl with his left hand to keep from having to give up bowling.
He was an active member of First Christian Church for many years.
He is preceded in death by his parents; and his brothers, Cleo, Leslie, and Stanley.
Cecil Couch, 92, passed away on Monday, December 15, 2014 at a local nursing center in Abilene, TX.
Cecil was born in Italy, Texas on November 19, 1922 to Coy Bateman and Lillie Mae Claxton Couch. He was a member of the 1940 Italy State Championship Football team which never allowed a point to be scored against them all season.
During his senior year he lied about his age and joined the military. He was allowed to finish his football season and shipped out soon after the season ended. He was like many veterans in that he never received his high school diploma due to the war. Several years ago he was finally awarded this diploma.
He served in World War II fighting with the 36th Infantry Division in Europe. He fought six major battles and received the Bronze Star for Bravery and a Purple Heart for being wounded in battle.
Cecil began a lifelong career in teaching and taught distributive education at Abilene High School for 23 years. He was well loved by all and often enthusiastically participated in school events. One time he along with a few other male teachers, dressed up as a female for a pep rally.
One of his greatest enjoyments was fishing. He spent many hours patiently teaching his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids to fish. He often had enough fish to feed all those who attended at many family reunions. Later he took up bowling and won the Kids & Us League trophy with his grandson, Austin. He even learned to bowl with his left hand to keep from having to give up bowling.
He was an active member of First Christian Church for many years.
He is preceded in death by his parents; and his brothers, Cleo, Leslie, and Stanley.
Cecil was born in Italy, Texas on November 19, 1922 to Coy Bateman and Lillie Mae Claxton Couch. He was a member of the 1940 Italy State Championship Football team which never allowed a point to be scored against them all season.
During his senior year he lied about his age and joined the military. He was allowed to finish his football season and shipped out soon after the season ended. He was like many veterans in that he never received his high school diploma due to the war. Several years ago he was finally awarded this diploma.
He served in World War II fighting with the 36th Infantry Division in Europe. He fought six major battles and received the Bronze Star for Bravery and a Purple Heart for being wounded in battle.
Cecil began a lifelong career in teaching and taught distributive education at Abilene High School for 23 years. He was well loved by all and often enthusiastically participated in school events. One time he along with a few other male teachers, dressed up as a female for a pep rally.
One of his greatest enjoyments was fishing. He spent many hours patiently teaching his kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids to fish. He often had enough fish to feed all those who attended at many family reunions. Later he took up bowling and won the Kids & Us League trophy with his grandson, Austin. He even learned to bowl with his left hand to keep from having to give up bowling.
He was an active member of First Christian Church for many years.
He is preceded in death by his parents; and his brothers, Cleo, Leslie, and Stanley.
